What CE counts
- Accredited courses (ANCC, ACCME, ACPE, AOTA, APTA)
- Live conferences and workshops
- Employer in-services (when approved)
- Simulation and skills labs
- Approved self-study and journal CE
Continuing Education
Continuing Education for Healthcare
A practical guide to continuing education for nurses and healthcare practitioners — what counts, how many hours your state requires, accredited providers, and how to track and document CE.
CE requirements vary by state
Most state boards require 20–30 contact hours per renewal cycle (1–2 years). Many states also require mandatory topic hours — implicit bias, child abuse, opioid prescribing, domestic violence, infection control, or end-of-life care.
APRN and specialty requirements
NPs typically need additional pharmacology hours (often 25 every 2 years). Specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN, OCN, CCM, CHPN) each have their own continuing-credit cycles tied to renewal.
How to track and document CE
- Save certificates the day you complete an activity
- Record provider, accreditation, hours, and topic
- Keep records for at least one renewal cycle beyond audit
- Use the free CE Tracker to log activities and see progress
Mandatory topics to check this cycle
- Implicit bias / cultural competency
- Suicide prevention and behavioral health
- Opioid prescribing and pain management
- Human trafficking and child / elder abuse
- End-of-life and palliative care
- HIV / infection prevention (state-dependent)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a continuing education activity for healthcare?
Accredited courses, conferences, in-services, journal clubs, simulation, and approved self-study activities that grant contact hours, CEUs, or CMEs from an approved provider (ANCC, ACCME, ACPE, etc.).
How many CE hours do nurses need?
Requirements vary by state and credential. RNs typically need 20–30 contact hours every 1–2 years; APRNs often need additional pharmacology hours. Check your state board of nursing.
Do CE hours transfer between states?
Generally yes if the provider is nationally accredited (ANCC). Some states require state-specific topics (e.g., implicit bias, child abuse, opioid prescribing).
Where can I track my CE hours?
Use our free CE Tracker, your employer's learning system, or a provider portal like ANCC's. Always keep certificates for at least one renewal cycle past the audit window.